Empathy for others is a trait that must be learned -- and parents are the best people to teach it. Volunteering together is an excellent way to increase your child's social and emotional growth while spending quality time together.

It's no secret that picky eaters love pasta. Toss it in a creamy sauce, and even the toughest customers will bite. Store-bought Alfredo sauce is packed with fat and calories, but replacing half of it with 1 percent milk and a hint of lemon really lightens it up. Swap regular pasta for whole grain, add your favorite seasonal vegetables, and you've got a hearty, healthy meal.

Time-saving tip: Cut vegetables in advance and refrigerate in airtight container. Cook pasta in advance and refrigerate. After cooking vegetables, heat pasta slightly in microwave, then toss with vegetables and sauce.

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